Machine for fabricating a cushioning packaging strip



April 18, 1950 M. VAN ANTWERPEN MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 24, 1947 6i I: 15. k2

INVENTOR MARTIN VAN ANTWERPEN Y B ATTORNEYS A ril 18, 1950 M VAN ANTWERPEN MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A cusmoume PACKAGING STRIP ll Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 24, 1947 N m s R f Y i mm/% m N T ni :W M o A I 1;

April 18, 1950 M. VAN ANTWERPEN MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP 11 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 24, 1947 INVENTOR MARTIN VAN ANTWERPEN AT ORNEYS April 18, 1950 M. VAN ANTWERPEN MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 24, 1947 April 18, 1950 M. VAN ANTWERPEN MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP Filed March 24, 1947 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 naaaww:

INVENTOR. MARTIN VAN ANTWERPEN BY ATTVOR NEYS Aprll 18, 1950 M. VAN ANTWERPEN 2,504,473

MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP Filed March 24, 1947 ll Sheets-Sheet 6 '75 I amn E! INVENTOR MARTIN VAN ANTWERPEN ATTORNEYS Aprll 18, 1950 VAN ANTwERPEN 2,504,473

MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP Filed March 24, 1947 ll Sheets-Sheet '7 I INVENTOR MARTIN VAN ANTWERPEN ATTORNEYS April 18, 1950 M. VAN ANTWERPEN 2,504,473

MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP Filed March 24, 1947 l]. Sheets-Sheet 8 April 18, 1950 M. VAN ANTWERPEN 2,504,473

MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP Filed March 24, 1947 ll Sheets-Sheet 9 lNVENT-OR MARTIN VAN ANTWERPEN ATTORNEYS April 1950 M. VAN ANTWERPEN 2,504,473

MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP INVENTOR MARTIN VAN ANTWERPEN ATTORNEYS" April 18, 1950 M. VAN ANTWERPEN MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHIONING PACKAGING STRIP l1 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed March 24, 1947 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 18, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE FOR FABRICATING A CUSHION ING PACKAGING STRIP Martin Van Antwerpen, Wauwatosa, Wis.

Application March 24, 1947, Serial No. 736,870

16 Claims. 1

This invention appertains to paper and like converting machines and more particularly to a novel machine and process for fabricating a cushioning and shock absorbing packaging strip for frangible articles, such as the glass replacement parts of automobiles.

It has been proposed to provide a packaging strip for the edges of glass paneis and the like consisting of an outer straight length of material to which is secured an inner strip and an intermediate strip, the inner and intermediate strips having substantially V-shaped inwardly projecting spaced portions, the Vs of the innermost strip having notches in the apexes thereof for receiving the edge of the glass when the strip is wound around the periphery of the glass.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide a novel machine and process for expeditiously and effectively fabricating durable cushioning strips of the above character, whereby said strips can be placed upon the market at a reasonable cost and easily handled by unskilled labor.

Another salient object of my invention is the provision of a machine for feeding sheets from rollers or magazines in proper timed relation relative to one another and for crimping certain of said sheets and thereafter joining said sheets in a certain specific arrangement to form a cushioning and shock absorbing packaging device.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for severing the formed packaging device into a series of elongated packing strips capable of being placed around the edge of a glass panel or the like.

Another further object of my invention is to provide a machine embodying means for feeding a sheet of material from a magazine or roll and for forming a series of accurately spaced bight portions therein of a substantially V or like shape and simultaneous therewith receiving a second sheet and forming a series of accurately spaced bight portions therein, the same shape, but of a less height, than the bight portions of the first sheet and then uniting said sheets between said bight portions in such a manner that the bight portions of the sheets are received in one another, and then finally securing the first and second formed sheets to an outer straight holding sheet.

A further important object of my invention is the provision of means for holding the bight portions in the first and second sheets in their formed condition until said sheets are secured together and to the base sheet, so that danger 2 of the bight portions spreading and losing their shape will be eliminated.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of means for slotting the first sheet during the travel of said first sheet, whereby notches will be formed in the apexes of the Vs so that a seat will be formed in the strip, when fabricated for receiving the glass panel or like device to be protected.

A still further important object of my invention is the provision of means for uniting the sheets together at spaced points by an adhesive with. means for quickly drying said adhesive whereby the fabricated sheet can be instantly handled as the same leaves the machine.

Still another object of my invention is the provision of means whereby an adhesive can be applied to the walls of the notches during the fabrication of the cushioning device so that the fabricating device can be effectively secured to the glass or other device being protected.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of means for accurately driving all of the various parts of the machine from a single line shaft, whereby the various parts can all be driven in proper timed relation relative to one another.

With these and other objects in view the invention consists in the novel construction,

arrangement and formation of parts, as will be hereinafter more specifically described, claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one form of my novel machine.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal, sectional. view through the complete machine.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view through the machine, taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 4, is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating the drive motor for the line shaft.

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional View through the machine taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, and illustrating more particularly the means for feeding the first and second sheets from their magazines to the forming mechanism.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, but taken one the line ii--6 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows and illustrating the magazine for the base sheets.

Figure 7 is a detail transverse sectional view taken on the line l-T of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the means for feeding the base sheets from its magazine.

Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 88 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows and illustrating the means employed for initially scoring or weakening the first and second sheets to facilitate the bending of these sheets.

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 9-3 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating the means for slotting the innermost sheet and for forming the bight portions in the second sheet.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal detail sectional view taken substantially on the line Ill-l0 of Figure 9 illustrating the means employed for forming the bight portions in the second sheet.

Figure 11 is a detail perspective view illustrating one of the forming blocks or dies for making the bight portions in the sheets.

Figure 12 is a detail perspective View illustrating the companion block or die for forming the bight portions in the sheets.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on the line l3-l3 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating the means for forming the bight portions in the first sheet.

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13, but taken on the line l-'ll4 of Figure 2 and illustrating the means for adjustably supporting one end of the uppermost forming belt for the first sheet.

Figure 15 is a detail transverse sectional view taken on the line 15-45 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows, and illustrating the means for applying the adhesive to the second sheet after the forming of the bight portions therein.

Figure 16 is a detail transverse sectional view taken on the line Iii-l6 of Figure 2 looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating the means employed for facilitating the quick setting of the adhesive.

Figure 17 is a detailed transverse sectional View taken on the line ill-11 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows, and illustrating the means for firmly holding the first, second and base sheets together during the setting of the adhesive.

Figure 18 is a detail fragmentary longitudinal sectional view illustrating the means employed for applying an adhesive to the walls of the notches in the formed first sheet.

Figure 19 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on the line I3-|9 of Figure 18, the view also illustrating the means employed for applying an adhesive to the walls of the notches.

Figure 20 is a fragmentary detail transverse sectional view taken on the line 29-20 of Figure 18, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 21 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view illustrating the discharge end of the machine, the section being taken substantially on the line 2 l-2l of Figure 22, the view showing more particularly the means for severing formed sheets longitudinally into independent strips.

Figure 2-2 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 22-42 of Figure 21, the view illustrating the means for severing the sheets into strips.

Figure 23 is a fragmentary top plan View illus- 4 trating the first sheet after the initial weakening thereof and the forming of the slots therein, the view showing one step in the process of forming the cushioning sheets.

Figure 24 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the first sheet on the line 2424 of Figure 23, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 25 is a detail longitudinal sectional view through the first sheet showing another step in my process, the view illustrating more particularly the first sheet with the bight portions formed therein and the notches in said bight portions coated with an adhesive.

Figure 26 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the first sheet after the forming of the bight portions and notches therein, the view illustrating more specifically the adhesive on the sheet.

Figure 2'7 is a fragmentary plan view of a fabricated strip ready for use.

Figure 28 i a front elevational view showing a formed strip applied to a glass panel for cushioning and protecting the same, the carton for receiving the panel and cushioning strip being shown in dotted lines.

Figure 29 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view, the section being taken on the line 2323 of Figure 28, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 30 is a detail transverse sectional view through the strip, the section being taken on the line 3ii-30 of Figure 29, the View illustrating the position of the glass panel in one of the notches in the innermost layer.

Figure 31 is a detail fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 3 l-3l of Figure 29, looking in the direction of the arrows and illustrating the position of the glass panel in certain notches.

Figure 32 is a detail fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through a slightly modified form of my invention, the view illustrating a means for forming the notches in the first strip after the formation of the bight portions and means for applying an adhesive to the walls of the notches by belts.

Figure 33 is a detail transverse sectional view taken on the line 3333 of Figure 32 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 34 is a detail horizontal sectional view taken on the line 34-34 of Figure 32.

Figure 35 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on the line 35--35 of Figure 32, the view showing in detail the riding of the adhesive applying belts in the formed notches of the first sheet.

Figure 36 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through the discharge end of the machine and illustrating a slightly modified form of my machine, the view also showing a preferred type of mechanism for severing the strips transversely to provide desired lengths of strips.

Figure 37 is an enlarged detail longitudinal sectional view of the means for severing the strips transversely.

Figure 38 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 38-48 of Figure 36.

Figure 39 is a detail transverse sectional view through the cutting mechanism, the section being taken substantially on the line 39-39 of Figure 37.

Referring to the drawings in detail. wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the views, the letter M generally indicates my novel machine and the same includes a suitable supporting base and mere 10. I This base and f-rame can ts rate dated in any desired way; but as ill'il'stf'ated, "t esaine includes a pair of spaced longitudinally esttending base beams 4| and 4-2. These base beams preferably extend the full length at the machine and are connected at their ends at certain intermediate points by transversely extending base beams 43; Rigidity welded or otherwise fastened to the longitudinal beams 4! and 42; are upright standards 44 and these standards in tiirn have bolted er otherwise fastened thereto cover side plates 45; The plates 45 form means for bracing the ent-ire frame and for enclosing certain of the operating parts of the machine. The frame can be braced any other preferred way and as illustrated, the upper ends of the standards 44 have secured thereto spaced parallel top beams 46-. The side plates e are alsosecured to these top beams. It is to be understood that certain of the plates can be made removable so that a'ccess can be easily had to the interior of the mali-i-newhen necessary.

As brought out in the objects, the machine functions to receive a series of inner or first sheets, a series of intermediate or second sheets and a series of base or third sheets. Magazines 4'! and 48 are provided for the first and second sheets and these magazines are preferably arranged in vertical alineinent and are connected with certain standards or uprights of the frame and form in effect a part of the frame. A third magazine 49 is provided for the base sheets and this magazine is arranged forwardly of the magazines El and 48 for a purpose which will be later set forth. While I have shown magazines for sheet material, the material can be fed off er rollers without departing from the spirit or scope or this invention. 7

The magazines 4? and 48 are preferably loaded from the top and consequently these magazines are open at their tops and the sheets are fed one at a time from the bottoms of the magazines in proper relation to one another.

Each sheet is treated in a certain -:nanner and the manner of feeding and treating the first sheet willnow be described.

I The magazine is located at the rear end or the machine and the first sheets 50 are placed therein one on top of the other and the lowerniost sheet rests upon anti-friction rollers 5| carried by the bottom wall 52 of the magazine. A discharge slot 53 is formed in the magazine at its lower front edge. In order to feed the sheets one at a time from this magazine, 'a rotatable feed roller '54 is provided. This roller is provided with radially extending peripheral pins 55 and the roller extends a slight distance in the magazine through a slot formed in the bottornwall 52 thereof. The roller is provided with a shaft 56 and this shaft is mounted in suitable bearings and extends beyond the opposite sides of the magazine, whereby the shaft can be driven as will also be later set forth. I

Upon rotation of the feed roller 54, the lowermost sheet 50 will be fed out of the magazine and tetvard a scoring mechanism 51. This mechanism consists of a top scoring roller 58 and a bottom anvil roller 59. As the sheet rides between the rollers 53 and 59, these rollers tend to continuously feed the sheet forward and the roller 58 is provided with equidistantly spaced scoring ribs 5t. Hence, as the sheet passes beween the rollers, the sheet will be scored trans Yersely atspa'ced points and these .points are ac- 6 curated determined during the eonstruttien 6f the ins-crime.

the sheet leaves the scoring rollers, the same can be slotted or the slots can be formed the sheet after another step; as will be described in the modified form of this invention. In Figures 2, 3 and 9, one means of slotting the sheet is shown. This means includes a top roller Eil and a bottom "roller 62. 'The top roller iii is provided with a series of equidistantly spaced longitudinally extending rows of punching or cutting knives 63. The knives in each row are also ediii distantly spaced. The bottom reller 62 pro vided "with a series of spaced longitudinally extending rows of mating die recesses 54; The rollers GI and 62 are driven in unison and the dies 63 are adapted to penetrate through the sheet and into the die recesses 54. This effectively forms a series of equidistantly spaced rows of slts' transversely across the sheet. The rollers 6! and 62 are mounted upon and are secured to shafts 1'55 and 66 respectively and these shafts arerotatably mounted in suitable bearings carried by the side plates of the machine and these shafts extend beyond the plates and are power driven, by means which will also be later set forth.

As the sheet leaves the rollers BI and 62, the same travels to a mechanism 6! for forming a series of equidistantly spaced transversely extending big'ht portions "of a predetermined height. As illustrated, the bight portions are of a substantially V-shaped in cross section, but it is to be understood that the bight portions can be of other configuration, in cross section should such be desired.

The forming mechanism 61 can consist of mating die rollers, or as shown, from an upper end less forming belt 68 and a lower endless forming belt 69. The sheet after leaving the slotting rollers is guided between the belts by a guide throat 70 which can be rigidly secured in place to the frame of the machine. The upper belt is of a considerable greater length than the lower belt for a purpose, which will also hereinafter more fully appear. The upper belt 68 travels over a series of idle sprocket wheels H and over a hold-down set of sprocket wheels 12. The set of hold-down sprocket wheels 12 are keyed or otherwise fastened to a transversely extending shaft 13 and the shaft and the sprocket wheels 72 constitute the drive for the upper belt. All of the shafts for the idle sprocket wheels and the hold-down sprocket wheels are carried by side plates 14. These plates are adjustably supported and carried by hanger screws 15. The hanger screws 15 are in turn threaded in brackets 16 carried by the frame plates of the machine. Hence, the upper forming belt can be adjusted relative to the lower forming belt. The "upper forming belt preferably includes spaced sprocket chains 1'! and the chains have rigidly secured therete transversely extending equidistantly spaced forming blocks 18. The forming blocks 18, as shown, are of a frusto-pyramidal shape in cross section and define transversely extending V-shaped valleys. The lower belt 59 also includes a pair of spaced sprocket chains is and these chains have secured thereto transversely extending equidistantly spaced mating forming blocks 80. These blocks, as shown, are of a V-shape in cross section and fit between the forming blocks 18 of the ripper belt and into the valleys defined by said blocks 78. The upper stretch of the lower belt is held in proper centact with the upper belt ibl mc by means of drive sprocket wheels 8|. These sprocket wheels are keyed or otherwise fastened to a drive cross shaft 82. The shaft 82 extends beyond the sides of the machine to permit the driving thereof, as also will be later set forth. The sprocket chains 19 are also trained over a series of idle sprocket wheels 83. Attention is directed to the arrangement of the idle sprocket wheels for the upper and lower belts relative to the sprocket wheels 12 and 8 I, and it will be noted that the arrangement is such that a wide flaring entrance throat is provided to facilitate the travel of the sheet between the belts.

If desired, guide tables 84 and 85 can be provided respectively for the adjacent runs or stretches of the upper and lower belts and each of the belts can be provided with any preferred type of belt tighteners 88.

Obviously, the sheet 59 passes between the belts, the sheet will be caught between the blocks 18 and 89 and the desired equidistantly spaced V-shaped ribs or projections will be formed in the sheet. It is to be also noted that the slotting rolls BI and 62 are so arranged relative to the forming belts that when the V-shaped projections are formed in the sheets, that the slots will register with the apexes of the projections or ribs so that the apexes will be provided with equidistantly spaced notches 59.

It is desirable that the V-shaped projections or ribs in the sheet be maintained during the travel of the sheet and until the sheet is united with the second and third sheets.

Hence, as the sheet leaves the lower forming belt 69 the same is engaged by a lower transfer belt 81 which carried the sheet to a conveyor belt 88. The function of the conveyor belt 88 is to carry the formed first sheet down to and in engagement with the second and third sheets.

The transfer belt 8? can be constructed similar to the lower forming belt 89 and consequently the same includes spaced parallel sprocket chains 89 connected together by transversely extending supporting blocks 99 and these blocks are adapted to enter into the V-shaped projections or ribs formed in the sheet. It is to be also noted that the blocks 90 enter between the blocks 18 of the belt at the discharge end thereof. The chains 89 travel over sprocket wheels 9! and these sprocket wheels are keyed or otherwise fastened to shafts 92 and 93. The shaft 98 constitutes the drive for the transfer belt and at least one thereof extends beyond one side of the machine. This belt is also preferably provided with guide tables and a belt tightener.

The discharge end of the transfer belt 81 extends under and in contact with the conveyor belt 88 so as to insure the correct carrying of the formed sheet to the conveyor belt 88.

Again referring to the transfer belt 81, it is to be noted that the blocks 99 are truncated and this leaves a space between the outer ends of the blocks and the inner faces of the V-shaped projections or ribs. This is provided, so that the walls of the notches 59 in the apexes of the projections can be coated with an adhesive.

In Figures 2 and 18 to 20 inclusive, I have illustrated one type of means as for applying an adhe's'ive to the Walls of the notches 50'.

As illustrated in these figures, the mechanism for applying the coating of adhesive to the walls of the notches 58' includes a series of equidistantly spaced adhesive applying discs 95. These discs are all rigidly secured to a transversely ex-' sides of the machine and the shafts are all operg. tending shaft 98. Adhesive is applied to the discs by grooved transfer discs 91. These discs are all rigidly secured to a transversely extending shaft 98. The transfer discs 91 receive adhesive from a series of pickup discs 99. The discs 99 are all keyed or otherwise secured to a transversely extending shaft I89 and the discs 99 rotate in a pot I8I containing the desired adhesive. The pot IOI can be maintained at a desired temperature in any suitable Way. Obviously, upon rotation of the discs 99 the adhesive will be picked up and applied to the groove periphery of the transfer discs 91 and these discs in turn will apply the adhesive to the discs 95. In view of the fact that the discs 91 are grooved, the adhesive will tend to flow around the sides of the applying discs 95. These discs 95 are so positioned that as the sheet 59 passes the same, the discs will ride into the notches 59' and coat the walls thereof. All of the shafts 96, 98 and I99 protrude beyond the veyor belt 88 includes spaced parallel sprocket chains I84. The sprocket chains are united by transversely extending flights or holding blocks I05. These blocks are of the same shape as the forming blocks 18 and are adapted to extend into the valleys of the formed sheet between the V- shaped projections or ribs. The belt travels over suitable sprocket wheels I89, I81 and I88. The shaft I99 constitutes the drive shaft, as will be later brought out. It will be noted that the transfer belt 81 extends under the sprocket wheels I08 so as to insure the proper transferring of the formed sheet to the conveyor belt. The sprocket wheels I81 and I08 are arranged below and in advance of the sprocket wheels I06 and the sprocket wheels I91 and I98 are in the same horizontal plane so as to define a straight parallel lower stretch III] in the conveyor belt. The purpose of this will also be later set forth. This conveyor belt can also be provided with a belt tightener and suitable guide tracks can be provided therefor. Preferably stationary inclined supports III and H2 are arranged under the lower inclined stretch of the conveyor belt and this tends to hold the formed projections in proper shape. The support or guide H2 is preferably in the nature of a series of spaced longitudinally extending slats.

Between the inclined guides I I I and I I2, I provide an adhesive applying mechanism H3. This mechanism is employed for applying a coating of adhesive to the inner face of the sheet 58 between the V-shaped projections or ribs. This adhesive applying mechanism can be of any desired char-' acter, but as illustrated, includes a glue applying roller H4. This roller is located between the guides III and H4 and is so disposed as to engage the sheet as the sheet travels from one guide to the other. The adhesive is applied to the periphery of the roll H4 by an applying roller H5,

The rollers H4 and H5 are secured to slatted guide I I2.

the magazine 4.8. one at a time and in proper timed relation into are operatively connected together by meshing gears IIB, so that the rolls will be operated together. The shaft II"! is power driven as willbe later set forth.

As the sheet leaves the adhesive applying rollers II4 it is desirable that some means be provided for insuring a quick initial setting of the adhesive so that this adhesive will firmly adhere to the second sheet, as will be later described and bind these two sheets together. Various means can be provided for accomplishing this, such as an electronic heating mechanism, or, as shown, a battery of infra-red lamps I25. These lamps can be conveniently located under the Means is also providedfor insuring the proper contacting of the first sheet .50 with the second sheet and this will be later more clearly brought out.

The second sheets are indicated by the reference character I2I and heretofore stated these second or intermediate sheets can be stacked in The second sheets I2I are fed the machine relative to the first sheet by a power driven toothed roller I22. This roller is similar to or the same as the roller 54 employed for the magazine 41. Briefly, it can be seen that the toothed roller I22 operates through a slot in the bottom wall of the magazine 48. The stack of sheets I2I can' be supported on anti-friction rollers carried by the bottom wall of the magazine. The toothed roller I22 is fastened. to a drive shaft I 23 and this shaft is driven by means which will be later set forth.

.As the lowermost second or intermediate sheet is fed forwardly into the machine by the roller I22, the same rides between a pair of companion scoring rolls I24 and I25. The uppermost roll can be provided with spaced peripheral scoring ribs and the lowermost roll constitutes an anvil against which the uppermost roll bears. Consequently, as the sheet passes between the rolls, the sheet will be scored and weakened transversely. The scoring or weakened portions occur at the points where the sheet is treated to form the V-shaped projections I25. The V- shaped projections H26 are formed in the second or intermediate sheets substantially in the same manner as the projections are formed in the first sheet, but it is to be understood that the projections I26 are of a less height and width than the projections in the first sheet so that the projections I26 can fit within the projections in the first sheet.

The means for forming the projections 52?; in the second sheet is generally indicated by the reference character I2! and this mechanism 52-"! includes an upper endless belt I28 and a lower endless forming belt I29. The uppermost belt I28 is of a greater length than the lowermost belt and projects a considerable distance for wardly of the lowermost belt. Both belts include spaced parallel sprocket chains I 35 and the chains of the uppermost belts are connected by transversely extending forming blocks I3I. These blocks define V-shaped valleys between the same. The chains of the lowermost belt are conn cted by equidistantly spaced v shaped forming blocks 132 which fit in the valleys above mentioned during the travel of the belts. The chains of the uppermost belt travel over a series of idle sprocket wheels I33 and, the chains of the lowermost belt travel over similar sprocket wheels I35. All of these sprocket wheels are keyed to suitable shafts and the shafts are mounted in anti-friction been ings carried by the side plates of the frame. 'In order to insure the proper engagement of the upper and lower belts with one another, drive sprocket wheels I35 and I36 are provided respectively for the upper and lower belts. The sprocket wheels are keyed or otherwise fastened respectively to drive shafts Isl and I38 and these shafts are mounted in bearings and extend beyond at least one side of the machine. The arrangement of the drive sprocket wheels I35 and I35 relative to the idle sprocket wheels is such that a wide flaring entrance mouth for the sheet leading between the belts is provided. The scoring rolls I24 and I25 are preferably located as close to this throat as is practical. The belts I23 and i253 can have guide tracks provided therefor and suitable belt tightenrs can also be utilized. r

As the sheet travels between the belts, the blocks I3I and. I32 function to form the equidistantly spaced V-shaped projections I26 in the sheet. These projections are maintained in their original form prior to the uniting thereof with the first sheet 50 and the third or base sheet. To bring this about, I provide a transfer belt I39 and this belt corresponds to the belt 89. The belt I39 also consists of a pair of spaced parallel sprocket chains I45 united atspaced points by transversely extending holding blocks or flights I4]. These blocks I'4I correspond in shape to the blocks I32. The chains I45 are trained about sprocket wheels I42 and I43 and the belt is maintained taut by a belt tightener. The sprocket wheels I42 and I43 are keyed or otherwise secured to shafts I44 and I45 respectively. The shafts are mounted in suitable bearings carried by the frame of the machine and the shaft I45 constitutes the drive shaft. The transfer belt extends under the 'belt I28 and receives the sheet therefrom. A conveyor belt I46 receives the sheet from the transfer belt and conducts the formed sheet to the first sheet and to the conveyor belt 88. The conveyor belt I46 can include a pair of spaced sprocket chains I41 united by transversely ex tending holding blocks I43. These blocks correspond in shape to the blocks ISI. The sprocket chains travel over sprocket wheels I49 and I50 and these sprocket wheels are in turn keyed-or otherwise fastened respectively to shafts I5I and I52. The shafts are mounted in suitable bearings carried by the frame and the shaft I52 constitutes the drive shaft for the belt. Suitable guide tables and belt tighteners can be provided for this conveyor belt. The conveyor belt ex tends over and in engagement with the transfer belt I39. In order to further maintain the shape of the formed second sheet, a supporting platform I53 can be arranged below the lower run of the conveyor belt I45. Hence the sheet will be carried by the belt over this platform. The platform is preferably made from a series of equidistantly spaced slats. 1

For a purpose, which will soon appear, the portions of the second sheets between the V-shaped projections I26 are coated with an adhesive and I provide an adhesive coating mechanism I54 therefor. This mechanism includes a rotatable adhesive applying roller I55. This roller engages the sheet as the same travels from the transfer roller to the platform I53. The adhesive is applied to the ,perifery of the roll I55 by a pickup roller I55. This roller operates within a pot I51 containing the adhesive. The temperature of the adhesive can be taken care of in different manners. The rollers I55 and I 56 are fastened respectively frame.

of infra-red lamps to shafts I58 and I59 and these shafts are also mounted in suitable bearings carried by the The shafts are operatively connected together by means of intermeshing gears I58 secured to said shafts and the shaft I 58 constitutes the drive shaft for the adhesive applying mechanism.

It is also desirable to have the adhesive quickly set and any desired means can be provided for this As illustrated, I have provided a battery Itl. These lamps are arranged under the slatted platform I53 so that the heat emanating therefrom will effect the adhesive on the sheet traveling over the platform.

As the formed sheet leaves the conveyor belt I 46, the same is fed into engagement with the first sheet and the V-shaped projections of the second sheet fits within the V-shaped projections of the first sheet.

The third or base sheets are indicated by the purpose.

reference character I62 and these sheets are The false bottom or follower I63 can be normally urged toward the top of the magazine by springs or, as shown, by suitable weights lot. These weights are connected to the lower ends of pulley cables I 65. The follower I63 has secured thereto lift cables I65. These cables I65 and IE are secured to and wound about pulleys I 66. The pulleys are keyed to a shaft I 66 which is rotatably carried by the frame.

The uppermost sheet is fed from the top of the magazine by a toothed roller I51 and this roller is fastened to a drive shaft I68. The tooth roller rotates in a counterclockwise direction and feeds the uppermost sheet out of the magazine towards the second sheet and on to a supporting table I69.

This table is securely fastened to the frame of the machine. The table extends under the forward end of the conveyor belt I46 and under the conveyor belt 88. To insure the proper feeding of this third or base sheet between the conveyor belt I 46 and the table, I can provide feed and guide ro lers I and HI and secured respectively to shafts I12 and I13 and these shafts are mounted in suitable bearings carried by the frame of the machine. The shafts are power driven, as will later appear.

From the description so far, it can be seen that a first sheet is weakened, slotted, and then folded along the weakened lines to provide transversely extending notched \l-shaped projections and that the inner face of the sheet between the projections are coated with an adhesive. Simultaneous with the operation, a second sheet is weakened transversely and then folded along the weakened lines to provide V-shaped projections with the inner face of sheet between the projections coated with an adhesive. And finally and simultaneous with the fabrication of the first and second sheets, that a third sheet is delivered to the first and second sheets. All of these sheets are fed in proper timed relation to one another and after the machine is once in operation all of the sheets are fed continuously one after the other from the respective magazines and that the cushioning sheets are continuously fabricated.

Referring more particularly to Figure 2 of the drawings, it can be seen that as the first folded sheet is fed downwardly by the conveyor belt to the straight lower stretch thereof, that the second folded sheet is fed into engagement with the first sheet and this belt. Just prior to the feeding of the folded second sheet to the first sheet, the third straight sheet is fed into engagement with the second sheet and the conveyor belt I46 functions to press the second sheet tight down against the first sheet and against the table I69. As the adhesive on the second sheet is relatively tacky, due to the infra-red lamps I6 I, this adhesive will readily adhere to and unite the second sheet with the third sheet. Thus the united second and third sheets are fed as a unit to the first sheet. It also can be seen that the adhesive on the first sheet will be in a tacky stage when the first sheet reaches the second sheet, in view of the battery of infra-red lamps I 20.

As the three sheets ride over the straight stretch I!!! of the conveyor belt I04, these sheets are brought into firm contact with one another. For the purpose, I can provide a pressure plate I14. This plate bears down on the straight stretch I I0 and urges this stretch toward the table I69. Expansion springs I15 can be utilized to force down the pressure plate.

Attention is called to the fact that means is provided for preventing lateral shifting of the sheets on the various belts during the travel of the sheets through the machine. This means can include spaced parallel side plates I16 and these plates can be secured to the frame of the machine in any desired way. These plates I16 are so disposed as to engage the longitudinal edges of the sheets.

As the sheets in their united form, and now indicated by the reference character I11, the same can be divided longitudinally so as to provide a series of cushioning strips I18 of the desired width. This can be accomplished by a gang-saw l1?) and this saw is arranged adjacent to the outlet of the machine. The gang-saw I 19 includes a plurality of disc saw blades I spaced the desired distance apart on a mandrel NH. The mandrel is mounted in suitable bearings carried by the frame of the machine and the gang of saws extend up through slots I82 formed in the table I593. The gang-saw preferably rotates in a counterclockwise direction and consequently the rotation thereof tends to hold the formed cushioning strip downward against the table. By referring to Figure 1, it can be seen that the gang-saw is located close enough to the feed belt 86 so that the said belt will forceably feed the formed cushion sheet to the saws. The saws do not have to be operated in any direct timed relation relative to other working partsof the machine and consequently I can provide an independent motor I83 for operating the mandrel IN. This motor can be located in any preferred point on the machine and its armature shaft I84 can be operatively connected, such as through a belt and pulley arrangement with the mandrel.

In order to quickly remove the cuttings of the gang-saw from the machine, the lower part of the gang-saw can be housed within a hood I 86. The hood is provided with an outlet I81 and this outlet communicates with the inlet of a suction fan I88. Any suitable type of container or the like can be connected with the outlet I89 of the suction fan. This fan can be directly driven by the motor I83. Y

shaft I90 by intermeshing gears 205.

meshing gears 2 I4.

.As heretofore intimated, all of the various operating parts of my machine are actuated in proper timed relation relative to one another. As is clearly shown in Figure 1, I provide a main line drive shaft I90 for this purpose. The shaft itself is operatively connected to a main drive motor I9I. The motor can be mounted upon the frame of the machine in any desired way. Its armature shaft I92 drives a vertical shaft I93 and this shaft is, turn, connected to the main shaft I90 by meshing beveled gears I94. The shafts I90 and 193 are mounted in support ing bearings I95 carried by the frame of the machine. The main shaft extends substantially the full length of the machine and the end thereof adjacent to the magazines 41 and 48 is provided with a beveled drive gear I90. This gear meshes with and drives beveled gears I91 and I59 which are secured respectively to oppositely extended countershafts I99 and 330. The outer ends of these shafts are operatively connected to the shafts 55 and I23 by intermeshing sets of beveled gears 29I and 202. Hence, the feed rollers 54 and I22 of the upper and lower magazine are driven from the line shaft. nism for the first and second sheets are also driven from the line shaft and hence, the frame of the machine carries oppositely extending rotatable countershafts 203 and 204. These countershafts are operatively connected to the line The outer ends of these countershafts 203 and 204 are operatively connected respectively to the scoring rollers 58 and 59 and to the scoring rollers I24 and I25 respectively by sets of intermeshing gears 206 and 201.

Extending parallel to the countershaft 202 is another countershaft 208. This shaft is also rotatably mounted in suitable bearings carried by the frame and is driven from the line shaft by intermeshing beveled gears 209 and 2H]. These gears are secured respectively to the line shaft I90 and the countershaft 208. The countershaft 208 has secured thereto facing beveled gears 2H and these gears mesh with beveled gears 2:2 keyed to the shafts 65 and B6 of the slotting mechanism fi I In order to drive the forming belts 68 and 09, a countershaft H3 is rotatably carried by the frame of the machine. eratively connected to the line shaft by inter- The countershaft is provided with facing beveled gears 2I5 and these gears mesh respectively with beveled gears 2H5 fastened to the drive shafts 13 and B2 for the I 1 upper and lower belts 68 and 69.

The drive shaft I50 for the glue applying mechanism 91 is operatively connected to the line shaft I90 by a countershaft 2I1. \As illustrated, this shaft at its upper end has keyed thereto a beveled gear 2Ifl which meshes with a beveled gear 2I9 secured to the drive shaft 500 for the glue applying mechanism. The lower end of the shaft 2 I5 has secured thereto a beveled gear 220 which meshes with a beveled gear 22I secured to the shaft I90.

The drive shaft 93 of the transfer belt 81 is operatively connected by .intermeshing beveled gears 222 to a countershaft .223 and this shaft is driven from the line shaft I 90 by intermeshing gears 22s.

The drive shaft H1 for the glue applying mechanism H3 is operatively connected to a countershaft 225 by intermeshing gears 226 and the lower end of this shaft hassecured thereto The scoring mecha- This countershaft is op- 14 a beveled gear 221 which meshes with a beveled gear 220 secured to the line shaft.

The conveyor belt 88 has its drive shaft I09 operatively connected by intermeshing gears 229 to countershaft 230 and this shaft, in turn, is operatively connected to the line shaft I90 by intermeshing gears 23 I.

The drive shafts I31 and I33 for the forming belts I 28 and I29 are driven from a countershaft 232 and, as illustrated, the shaft 232 is connected to the shaft I21 by intermeshing gears 233. The shaft I383 is connected to the countershaft by intermeshing gears 234. The upper end of the shaft 232 has keyed thereto a beveled gear 235 which meshes with the beveled gear 209 secured to said line shaft.

The drive shaft I45 for the transfer belt I 39 is connected by intermeshing gears 236 with a countershaft 231and this countershaft is, in turn, operatively connected to the line shaft I90 by intermeshing gears 238.

The drive shaft I58 for the adhesive applying mechanism I54 is operatively connected to a 'countershaft 239 by intermeshing gears 240. The upper end of the countershaft has secured thereto a beveled gear 2M which meshes with the beveled gear 22I keyed to the line shaft I90.

The shafts 112 and I13 of the guide rollers I10 and HI are driven from a countershaft 242. This countershaft 242 is provided with a double faced beveled gear 243 which meshes with beveled gears 244 and 2 15 keyed respectively to the shafts I12 and I13. The upper end of this shaft 242 has secured thereto a beveled gear 245 which meshes with the beveled gear 228 secured to the line shaft The shaft I68 for the feed roller I 61 of the magazine 49 is also driven from the countershaft 242 and hence the countershaft 242 is operatively connected, by means of beveled gears 241 with a driven shaft 200. This shaft 248 is, in turn, operatively connected to the shaft I68 by intermeshing gears 249.

The conveyor belt I45 has its drive shaft I52 operatively connected by beveled gears 250 to a co'untershaft 25I and this countershaft is, in turn, operatively connected by intermeshing gears 252 with the line shaft I90.

It is to be understood that all of the shafts for the drive are mounted in any desired types of bearings and that these bearings can be placed at the desired points on the frame of the machine. It is to be further understood that the gears connecting the various shafts are of a desired. size so that the various parts will be driven in proper timed relation.

At the initial start of the machine all of the sheets from the magazine 41, 48 and 49 will be fed simultaneously and after the first set of sheets are fed through the machine the other following sheets will be properly correlated relative to each other.

It is to be understood that the upper forming belt I28 can be suspended and adjusted similar to the forming belt 68 for the first sheet.

In order to prevent undue wear on the gangsaw I19, spaced parallel lines free from glue are left on the sheets in alinement with the saw discs. This is accomplished by providing spaced annu lar grooves in the adhesive applying rolls I I4 and 1.55 (see Figure 15).

Attention is now directed to Figures 23 to 31 inclusive. The material from which the cushion sheets and strips are formed is preferably cor .rugated board as shown in Figures 28 to 31,-but it is 'to be understood that the cushioning sheets and strips can be formed from any material that may be found suitable for the purpose intended.

In Figure 23, I have shown the inner or first sheet 58 provided with the rows of spaced slots 50' and weakened by transverse lines 253 at the points where the sheet is to be folded to form the V-shaped projections or ribs. In Figures 25 and 26 I have shown the next Step in which the V- shaped ribs or projections are already formed. It is to be also noted that these figures show the adhesive applied to the walls of the slots 50' and to the inn r face of the sheets between the V- shaped ribs or projections. Figure 2'7 shows a small part of a formed cushion strip.

In Figure 28 this formed strip I13 is shown applied to the edge of a plate of glass 2254. The strip is placed around the edge of the glass so that the edge of the glass will fit in the slots 50' of the innermost member and the glass rests upon the Vs of the second or intermediate member The base or third member I52 forms a support and a third shock absorbing member for the entire stripl When the strip is placed around the glass 254 the ends thereof can be secured together in any desired way.

It is intended that the entire protecting strip and glass 254 be placed in a shipping carton 255 indicated by dotted lines in Figure 28.

While I have specified and shown means for uniting the sheets by an adhesive, it is to be clearly understood that the sheets can be united in other ways, such as by the use of staples and the like.

It may be desirable to form the notches 50' in the sheets 55 after the V-shaped notches or ribs are formed in the first sheet. In Figures 32 and 33 I have illustrated a means for doing this and this means is generally indicated by the reference character 258. The mechanism is carried b the frame of the machine and is disposed above the supporting table 251 which is provided for the lower run of the conveyor belt 88. This mechanism 255 includes a gang-saw 258 and the gan saw includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced saw discs 259 which are secured on a mandrel 260. The mandrel is rotatably carried by the frame of the machine and is so arranged that the saw discs will engage the apexes of the V-shaped ribs or projections as the sheet is carried past the gang-saw by the conveyor belt. This gang-saw does not have to be operated in timed relation relative to the other operating parts of the machine and consequently I can provide an independent electric drive motor 26! therefor. The drive motor is carried by the frame and its armature shaft can be operatively connected to the mandrel 268 by a pulley belt and pulley wheels mechanism 2 82.

In order to carry the dust made by the gangsaws away from the machine, the gang-saw can be housed within a hood 263. The hood is provided with an outlet which communicates with the inlet of a suction fan 284. The suction fan can be driven directly from the electric motor. The dust can be taken from the outlet 265 of the fan in any desired way.

Various means to be provided for making the slots or notches in the VS of the first sheet and in lieu of die rollers and saws, a punching mechanism can be used.

The means for applying the glue to the walls of the slots or notches 50 can also be varied and in Figures 32, 34 and 35 I have illustrated another means for accomplishing this. The means shown in the mentioned figures is generally inchine.

cheated by the reference character 266 and includes a pot 261 for the adhesive. The adhesive can be kept in a flowing state in the pot through any suitable heating mechanism. Glue is fed out of the pot by a series of equidistantly spaced coiled spring belts 268. The belts are trained over drive pulleys 269 which are immersed in the adhesive in the pot. These drive pulleys are all fastened to a drive shaft 210 rotatably carried by the end walls of the pot and the frame of the ma- The coiled sprin belts are also trained over a series of equidistantly spaced pulley Wheels 21! and these pulley wheels are carried by a shaft 212. The shaft 212 can be carried by bearing brackets formed on or secured to the pot 261. The shaft and the pulleys 21! are arranged in close proximity to the lower run of the belt 88 and are so disposed that the belts will extend into the slots or notches 58 as the sheet 50 is carried past the glue pot by the conveyor belt 88. The intermediate portions of the glue applying belts are trained over idle pulleys 213.

The shaft 210 can be driven from the line shaft 2l1.

As heretofore also intimated, the sheets can be fed off of rolls and, as shown in Figure 36, I have illustrated the base or third sheet in the nature of a continuous sheet fed from a roll 214. The sheet can be pulled off of the roll by power driven guide rollers 215 and these rollers correspond to rollers I10 and Ill described in the first form of the invention. The sheet is fed by the rolls 215 to the first and second sheets in identically the same manner as the separate sheets from the magazine 49.

Where the sheet is fed from a roll it is highly desirable that the sheet be severed in desired lengths and this can be accomplished by a guillotine mechanism 216. The guillotine mechanism 216 includes a stationary knife 211 carried by a supporting table 218 and a reciprocating knife 219. The reciprocating knife is located above the formed sheet and is carried by a cross head 280. The cross head 28!! is mounted for sliding movement on guide rods 28I. An eccentric 282 operating in an eccentric strap 283 is employed for reciprocating the knife 219. The cross head 28!] and its knife 219 operates periodically and at certain definite times and I have provided a means for accomplishing this. The shaft 284 for the eccentric 282 is operatively connected to a drive shaft 285 by a clutch 286. The clutch 286 includes a drive section 281 and a driven section 288. The sections are normally held out of clutching engagement by an expansion coil spring 289. The drive clutch section 281 is secured to and rotated by a drive shaft 285 which is driven directly from the armature shaft of an electric motor 29! through intermeshing gears 292. The clutch section 288 is feathered upon the shaft 284 for the eccentric and this shaft can be-piloted in the drive clutch section 281. It can be 'seen that the clutch section 288 is mounted for sliding movement on the shaft 284 for movement into and out of engagement with its companion drive clutch section 281.

In view of the direct drive of the shaft 284 from the motor 29!, the knife 219 will be rapidly raised and lowered so that the same will not stop the progress of the advancing strips. The shafts 284 and 285 are suitably mounted in bearings carried by a frame 293 forming a part of the severing mechanism.

As heretofore brought out, it is desirable that the'knife 219 be brought into operation at a predetermined interval of time and this is accomplished by automatically throwing the clutch section 288 into driving engagement with the clutch section 281. This intermittent mechanism includes a drive cam disc 294 and this disc is driven through a train of speed reducing gearing 295 from the motor 29!. One face of the disc 2% is provided with cam shoes 296. A trip lever 29'! is rockably mounted intermediate its ends on a pivot pin 298 carried by the frame 293. One end of the lever presses against the clutch section 288 and the other end of the lever is disposed in the path of the cam shoes 2%. Hence, each time a cam shoe rides against the lever 291 the clutch section 288 will be moved into driving engagement with the clutch section 297.

In order to alter the timing of the operation of the clutch to suit varying conditions, more or less of cam shoe 296 can be utilized and, hence, the cam shoes are detachably secured to the cam disc 294 for adjustment.

With the severing mechanism 276 I preferably use a supplemental hold down and. feed roller 299. This roller is disposed above the table 218 between the gang of saws H9 and the knife 219. The roller is grooved longitudinally to receive the projecting ribs on the finished strips and the position of the roller is such that the roller will hold the severed strips and to feed the same forwardly. The roller is fastened to a transversely extending shaft 300 rotatably mounted on the frame 293. Ihe shaft can be conveniently driven by a sprocket chain and sprocket wheel connection 38! from the drive shaft I09 of the conveyor belt 88.

Various changes in details can be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of my invention, but what I claim as new is:

1. A machine for fabricating a cushion shock absorbing packaging member comprising means for feeding a series of independent sheets forwardly, means for weakening certain of said sheets transversely, means for folding said certain sheets on said weakened lines to provide transversely extending projecting ribs and means for forming notches in the ribs of certain sheets during the travel of the sheets through the machine.

2. A machine for fabricating a cushion shock absorbing packaging member comprising means for feeding a series of independent sheets forwardly, means for weakening certain of said sheets transversely, means for folding said certain sheets on said weakened lines to provide transversely extending projecting ribs and means for forming notches in the ribs of certain sheets during the travel of the sheets through the machine, and means for securing all of said sheets together to form a finished product.

.3. A machine for fabricating a cushion shock absorbing packaging member comprising means for feeding a series of independent sheets forwardly, means for weakening certain of said sheets transversely, means for folding said certain sheets on said weakened lines to provide transversely extending projecting ribs and means for forming notches in the ribs of certain sheets during the travel of the sheets through the machine, means for securing all of said sheets together to form a finished product and means for maintaining the formation of the ribs until the connection of the sheets together.

,4. In a machine for fabricating a packaging cushioning and shock absorbing member, a device for forming a series of equidistantly spaced transversely extending ribs therein including an upper endless belt and a lower endless belt, means for feeding sheet material between said belts, said belts having adjacent runs arranged in close parallel relation, one of said belts being provided with transversely extending forming blocks and the other of said belts being provided with transversely extending companion forming blocks adapted to fit between the forming blocks of the first belt, means for simultaneously driving said belts and means for weakening said sheet along transverse lines as the same is fed between the belts.

5. In a machine for fabricating a packaging cushioning and shock absorbin member, a device for forming a series of equidistantly spaced transversely extending ribs therein including an upper endless belt and a lower endless belt, means for feeding sheet material between said belts, said belts having adjacent runs arranged in close parallel relation, one of said belts being provided with transversely extending forming blocks and the other or said belts being provided with transversely extending companion forming blocks adapted to fit between the forming blocks of the first belt, means for simultaneously driving said belts and means for forming a series of equidistantly spaced rows of slots in the sheet as the same is fed between the belts.

6. In a machine for fabricating a packaging cushioning and shock absorbing member, a device for forming a series of equidistantly spaced transversely extending ribs therein including an upper endless belt and a lower endless belt, means for feedin sheet material between said belts, said belts having adjacent runs arranged in close parallel relation, one of said belts being provided with transversely extending forming blocks and the other of said belts being provided with transversely extending companion forming blocks adapted to fit between the forming blocks of the first belt, means for simultaneously driving said belts and means for regulating the distance of one of said belts relative to the other.

7. In a machine for fabricating a shock absorbing and cushioning member, means for forming a series of equidistantly spaced transversely extending projecting ribs in a sheet including an upper and a lower endless forming belt, means for feeding sheet material between said belts, said belts having adjacent parallel runs arranged in close proximity, one of said belts having a series of forming blocks thereon and the other of said belts having a series of forming blocks thereon adapted to ride between the forming blocks of the first belt, a conveyor belt for conducting the formed sheet toward the discharge end of the machine, and a transfer belt disposed between the forming belts and the conveyor belt for carrying said sheet to the conveyor belt, said transfer belt and conveyor belt having means for maintaining the formed configuration of the sheet.

8. In a machine for fabricating a shock absorbing and cushioning member, means for forming a series of equidistantly spaced transversely extending projecting ribs in a sheet including an i upper and a lower endless forming belt, :means for feeding sheet material between said belts, said 7 the forming belts and the conveyor belt for carry- 

